New York Rising plans 3 storm meetings in Niagara

LOCKPORT – The state’s New York Rising community reconstruction program has scheduled three public meetings in Niagara County next week to discuss how to reduce the county’s vulnerability to future storms.

The sessions are set for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Lockport City Hall, One Locks Plaza; 5:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Niagara Falls Public Library, 1425 Main St.; and 6 p.m. Wednesday in North Tonawanda City Hall, 216 Payne Ave. Each meeting is expected to last 90 minutes.

The New York Department of State started the program after last summer’s flash floods, which did heavy damage, especially June 28 in Lockport and July 19 in the Falls. New York Rising has $3 million in state money available for further 2013 storm recovery work.

Its nine-member Niagara County committee is headed by Samuel M. Ferraro, county commissioner of economic development, and Niagara County Community College President James P. Klyczek.